By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Several countries have expressed interest in pursuing strategic defense agreements with Pakistan in the wake of its new mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Friday.
“It is premature to say something, but after this development, other countries have also expressed a desire for similar arrangements,” Dar told journalists. “But such things follow a due process. Even with Saudi Arabia, it took several months to finalise.”
Dar’s comments came two days after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, which commits the two nations to treat any aggression against one as aggression against both. The pact was inked during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh on Wednesday, where he met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
A statement from Sharif’s office described the agreement as reflecting “the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world.” It aims “to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression,” the statement said, adding: “The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
Experts have called the deal a “historic and unprecedented development.” It follows Israel’s recent strike against Qatar, which targeted Hamas leaders in Doha and drew widespread condemnation from Muslim nations and other world leaders.
Dar, speaking to reporters, characterized the agreement as a historic milestone. He noted that while there had long been informal understandings in Pakistan’s government and among its people about safeguarding Saudi Arabia — particularly the protection of Haramain Sharifain, the holy sites in Mecca and Medina — the pact formalizes those commitments.
Dar said both countries were “satisfied and happy” with the agreement. He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for Pakistan in times of crisis.
“Saudi Arabia played a key role in supporting Pakistan following the international crisis and during the recent economic crisis,” he added.
In Islamabad, the Foreign Office on Friday sought to reassure that the agreement would not be used to threaten any other country.
During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan described the deal as “an important milestone for promoting peace and security in the region and the world.” He pointed out that defense cooperation has been a key pillar of Islamabad-Riyadh ties since the 1960s.
“The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement formalises this decades-old and robust defence partnership,” Khan said. “It is defensive in nature and not directed against any third country. It will contribute to regional peace, security and stability.”
Khan also disclosed that Dar received a telephone call Thursday night from Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who congratulated him on the agreement.
“The strategic defence agreement is a milestone in promoting partnership and trust,” Khan said, quoting the Egyptian foreign minister. “Both foreign ministers discussed regional and global issues and emphasised the importance of peace, stability and economic development.”
Khan underscored the enduring nature of Pakistan-Saudi relations, calling them a “long and distinguished history of brotherhood and cooperation.”
“[The] Pakistan-Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship is unique, enduring and multifaceted,” he said. “The leadership of the two countries share the common vision to take it to new heights.
“The relationship lives in the hearts of the people of [the] two countries. [The] people of Pakistan have special sentiments for Saudi Arabia, the land of Mecca and Madinah, and they hold the Royal family in high esteem for being the custodian of the holy sites.”
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